Pannier Paint Job?

[SpudRider]

I'm not in any hurry, but I have toyed with the idea before the RX3 bikes even arrived, of painting the panniers all black. Some Krylon Fusion Spray Paint would do an excellent job, I'm sure.

http://www.krylon.com/products/fusion-for-plastic/

I don't really dislike the silver color, but is painted over the plastic, which is molded black. The silver paint is bound to fade, but the black Krylon Fusion paint will blend into the color molded into the plastic at the factory.

Indeed, many of the bikes exported to other countries come with completely black panniers. What do you guys think?

[oldqwerty]

No black. Years of Harley riding posers have made black a joke. Paint to match the bike.

[Weldangrind]

Perhaps you could try removing some of the paint in an inconspicuous area, with a dab of brake fluid.

I'm not big on the silver, either.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by oldqwerty

No black. Years of Harley riding posers have made black a joke. Paint to match the bike.

Thanks for your input.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

Perhaps you could try removing some of the paint in an inconspicuous area, with a dab of brake fluid...

That's a great idea!

[SpudRider]

Wait a second...these aren't Harley Davidsons.

[SpudRider]

This isn't a Harley Davidson, either.

[Weldangrind]

I do like the black panniers.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

I do like the black panniers.

I do also. The fake aluminum paint on the RX3 panniers is okay, but it will almost certainly degrade with age. That's why I prefer having the color molded into the plastic, instead of having the plastic painted. I think your suggestion of removing the aluminum paint with brake fluid is a good idea.

[G19Tony]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

I'm not in any hurry, but I have toyed with the idea before the RX3 bikes even arrived, of painting the panniers all black. Some Krylon Fusion Spray Paint would do an excellent job, I'm sure.

http://www.krylon.com/products/fusion-for-plastic/

I don't really dislike the silver color, but is painted over the plastic, which is molded black. The silver paint is bound to fade, but the black Krylon Fusion paint will blend into the color molded into the plastic at the factory.

Indeed, many of the bikes exported to other countries come with completely black panniers. What do you guys think?

I pulled the CSC sticker off the top box, and part of the silver paint came right off. I'd reckon a little MEK, and all the paint will be gone.

[No1Vic]

I prefer the silver panniers, makes the bike more visible from the side. I plan to put a strip of reflective tape where the "brand" logo was stuck to them.......Do I use reflective silver or amber?

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by G19Tony

I pulled the CSC sticker off the top box, and part of the silver paint came right off. I'd reckon a little MEK, and all the paint will be gone.

Thanks for the tip, Tony.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by No1Vic

I prefer the silver panniers, makes the bike more visible from the side. I plan to put a strip of reflective tape where the "brand" logo was stuck to them.......Do I use reflective silver or amber?

I agree. My one reservation for removing the silver paint is the reduction in conspicuity to other motorists. However, some reflective tape will work much better at night than the silver paint.

Are there laws in England regarding the color of the reflective tape on the side of a motorcycle? If not, I think either color will serve you well.

[No1Vic]

Probably wiser to use amber reflective tape on the side as a 'legal' jobsworth might argue white should only be shown at the front.... still amber will balance the reflector fitted to the front forks :-)

[G19Tony]

Originally Posted by No1Vic

I prefer the silver panniers, makes the bike more visible from the side. I plan to put a strip of reflective tape where the "brand" logo was stuck to them.......Do I use reflective silver or amber?

I put a strip of reflective tape on the silver portion of the panniers. I tried to put tape on the bottom of the top box, but nothing would stick.